Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 overview

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R Lens is a prime wide-angle lens that provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 35mm, making it a suitable lens for everyday shooting. This all-around lens is further benefitted by the fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, which is especially useful in low-light conditions and for creating shallow depth of field and selective focus imagery. Also aiding in manual focus control are engraved camera-to-subject and depth of field scales on the barrel that help with setting the hyperfocal distance and pre-focusing techniques.

In regard to auto focusing performance, an internal focusing mechanism is used and revolves around one group of three cemented elements and one aspherical element that maintains high optical clarity while also minimizing overall weight. This group is driven by a high-torque DC coreless motor for high-speed performance that is equally quiet and smooth to benefit an array of shooting applications.

The one aspherical element also works to minimize chromatic aberrations and produce high image sharpness that is further enhanced by the multi-layer High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating (HT-EBC). This coating works to protect the front lens surface as well as reduce lens flare and ghosting in order to provide more contrast-rich imagery.

Wide-angle 23mm lens provides a 35mm-equivalent field of view of 35mm, making it suitable for everyday applications.

Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is ideally-suited for low-light conditions and for greater control over selective focus and shallow depth of field imagery.

Printed camera-to-subject and depth of field scales benefit manual focus control for setting the hyperfocal distance and for pre-focusing.

Close-up focusing control permits a minimum focusing distance of 11", or when working in normal position, a minimum focusing distance of 2' is possible.

Metal focusing and aperture rings provide an enhanced feel during use and contribute to greater durability.

Internal focusing mechanism employs one group consisting of three cemented elements and one aspherical element to lessen the overall weight and maintain the lens' length.

Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 reviews

XF 23mm f/1.4 R Lens is rated
4.9 out of
5 by
180.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
The Documentorian from
EXCELLENT Lens !!!!If I could give this lens more than just 5 stars I would. I've shots street photography, portrait, product, event, landscape, night time photography and more. This baby out does or matches up to every other Fujifilm (or Fujifilm lens mount) lens I own. I truly can put this lens in the category of 'best lens I own' - and I'm comparing this to 3 other primes and 2 telephoto zooms (all pro grade / low F stop etc...). I could go on and on and gush about this lens. Bottom line: If you're even considering this and have the budget, do not even hesitate. Just buy it> I can NOT imagine anyone being disappointed enough to return this or whatever !!!!

Date published: 2016-09-21

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Viking from
Best APSC 35mm equiv lensI don't miss my other full frame 35mm while I have this lens on my camera, it is razor sharp edge-to-edge, great IQ and bokeh quality is very good considering it is a WA lens and APSC. I had the Sony-Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 but this one is as sharp as the Sony with both at the maximum aperture but, it is 2/3 stops faster. I also have some other canon 'L' lenses and the performance of this one is on par with them. This is my first lens purchase for fuji after the kit lens and I can't be happier. This lens is perfect for low light situations and street photography. Just looking forward to get some other new lenses.

Date published: 2016-01-20

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Ricky M. from
Night Time Street Shooter!I purchased this lens right before a trip to New Orleans and I'm really glad I did. One of the main objectives was to shoot some live music performances, and thanks to this lens I was able to do so fairly well. The lens is very easy to use and very well constructed. I'm very pleased with the IQ but have only used it for a long weekend, that been said so far so good. The lens is a bit large compared to the 35mm, but is not too big or heavy, more like the younger brother of the 56mm. I'm partial to primes, and this lens is a great choice for an all-purpose walk around for day or night, indoors or outdoors. I'm very pleased with my purchase

Date published: 2015-12-01

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Stever from
Best Wide OpenI purchased this lens at B&H and have played with it for a day. The bokeh is excellent and I feel it shoots best (silky) at f1.4. Auto-focus is fast. The focus-ring slides into manual mode with a nice solid click. It makes shooting manually a joy. Lens construction is first rate and is heavy, even on my X-Pro1. I'm not using the hood and flare hasn't been a problem. I used to shoot a Nikon FE2 with a Nikkor 24mm f2.8 AIS lens which flared a lot more. The colors are gorgeous. The only issue I have is with chromatic abberation of foliage in the distance which seems to be an issue across all X-Trans sensors. Shooting at f1.4 alleviates that a bit.

Date published: 2013-11-12

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Michael from
I love this Fuji prime lensThis focal length 25mm (35 mm equivalent full frame) is my favorite to shoot at around town, at friends and family events, and for outdoor landscape photos as well. It takes amazing photos, is a pro lens build, feels great on the X-T1, is optically perfect, and to me is like a work of art in itself not to mention the pictures that it takes are as well. The f-stop dial is easy to access to rapidly adjust the amazing bokeh it can produce. This is the lens that now stays on my camera by default (I have 3 Fujifilm zooms and the 56mm prime), would be the prime lens that I would pick if I only had one lens. I highly recommend it. As I have read in other reviews, it's a no brainer - just buy it. It's that good.

Date published: 2016-06-15

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Photo Hobbyist from
Great LensThe lens provides sharp images with good subject isolation. The focus ring moves forward or back to either lock the lens in auto or manual focus. There is a DOF scale and distance measurements are revealed when moving the ring back to engage manual focus. Back button focus vial AF-L is not available in manual focus mode like other XF lenses, but the focus ring has hard stops at either end of the range so the lens allows you to find focus quickly. It's size is between the XF35 and XF56 lenses.I used it most recently at a family gathering and a museum. The lens' focal length is well suited for that. I've not done any street photography with it but imagine this FOV would be suitable for that too.

Date published: 2014-11-23

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Dennis from
Excellent Prime LensI normally utilized high quality zoom lenses to keep bulk and weight to a minimum. But I also like to have one or two fast primes available for low light or general carrying around times. The Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 lens is well-built of high quality and has excellent image quality. I'm relatively picky about my gear and my images and this lens has not failed to please me in producing wonderfully sharp, detailed and contrast images. Additionally, the focusing motor makes noise, but don't let that bother you. If focuses very fast and accurately. No hunting. It locks on quickly.

Date published: 2015-06-19

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Great lens, but worth it?This lens felt solidly built in my hands and did not weigh down the X-E2 body that I attached it to. It's a fast lens but only one stop faster than the X100 series' lens. One thing I couldn't understand is why the camera can't display the focus distance when it is on manual. It would have been nice to have that even bough there already are markings on the lens itself.Ultimately I exchanged this lens for the old x100 because I'd rather have the one stop slower lens that comes with a camera attached to it and it's portable and quiet. But for those who have the money to spend, there's no reason not to get it.